MR W. BELCHER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 7 November 1913, Page 5

MR W. BELCHER.

GIVEN A HOSTILE RECEPTION. BY LYTTELTON WATERSIDERS. CHRISTCHURCH, East Night. Mr W. Belcher, secretary of the Seamen's Union, who arrived at Lyttelton to-night on his way to Wellington to attend a" strike conference, was subjected to" very hostile treatment on his arrival, at the wharf. He was surrounded by a howling mob demanding that he should explain himself. He went aboard the Moan and had a conference with the crew, and on leaving was loudly cheered by the firemen on the boat. Ho was greeted with howls of rage from the strikers on the wharf. Roughs jostled and shoved him to the other side of tho wharf, where the Mannganui was lying. The mob threatened, to push linn over the side (if the wharf, but the police came to his rescue and held the crowd in check while Mr Belcher boarded the vessel. When half-way up the gangway he turned and faced the howling mob, raised hie hat, bowed, and smiled. TlTen ho disappeared. The storm__of abuse, insult and filthy language continued until the Mannganui sailed. It is understood that Mr Belcher ' strongly advised the firemen on the Maori to keep the ferry service going as long as no cargo was carried. The' Maori will not sail until a full complement of firemen is obtained. Mr Belcher .is making arrangements to get the men required, and it isexpected that tho Maori will sail tomorrow night- for Wellington.